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UIndy pioneers first Biofeedback & Meditation Center to support mental health for students

September 25, 2025 in Press Releases

Two people relax on one of the lava beds inside UIndy's Biofeedback & Meditation Center on campus.

The University of Indianapolis is proud to announce that has opened a pioneering wellness facility that is believed to be the first of its kind in the country: a Biofeedback & Meditation Center (BMC) that combines meditation coaching by trained clinicians with patented heated lava rock beds and real-time physiological feedback equipment. Located inside the UIndy Health Pavilion, the BMC will work to not just calm students in the moment but to teach them now to calm themselves and manage stress long after graduation.

Members of the general public were invited to attend a special Open House of the Biofeedback & Meditation Center on Sept. 25 from 9-11 a.m. or from 3-5 p.m.

An individual learns calming techniques thanks to the biofeedback equipment at the UIndy Biofeedback & Meditation Center on campus.
An individual learns about self-calming techniques with the help of biofeedback equipment in the Student Counseling Center.

“I am so excited about this pioneering opportunity because it is a huge advance in our mission to provide holistic wellness for our campus community,” said Dr. Kelly Miller, psychologist and director of the Student Counseling Center. “Combining scientific technology with the ancient art of mindfulness empowers students to discover for themselves the mind-body connection and the control they can have in better managing physical and emotional reactions. For many, this is a transformative experience for life.”

The BMC is a passion project for Miller which is two years in the making. After visiting Urban Meditation’s studio in Indianapolis several times and being impressed with the results, she imagined how replicating the set-up could benefit the BMC and create a unique state-of-the-art space unlike anything that has been developed before at a university.

Urban Meditation co-owner Kristy Paul quickly jumped on board with Miller’s idea and donated the lava beds (see below) and much of the lighting and meditation equipment. Miller, who has worked with Pathways Jr. Fellows summer program at OneAmerica Financial for six consecutive years, used gifts in honor of her work to pay for other BMC equipment.

An individual relaxes on one of the lava beds inside UIndy's Biofeedback & Meditation Center on campus.

“The combination of meditation and our methods helps you to react differently to stress that can feel overwhelming,” said Paul. “I really do believe that it will help UIndy students overcome adversity and be an additional safe space in the Student Counseling Center for people in distress.”

“OneAmerica Financial is committed to transforming the socio-economic health and well-being of our community,” said De’Niece Harrison-Hudson, OneAmerica Financial’s Community Affairs Director. “We are grateful for Kelly’s tireless efforts to help our Fellows thrive and excited to think how the Biofeedback & Meditation Center will help the UIndy community thrive too.”

Miller, the Student Counseling Center clinical staff and Paul are all excited about the scientific research that will be possible. Miller believes they will be able to demonstrate that students who participate in meditation and biofeedback services will have fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety and a higher overall quality of life. Researchers also plan to examine whether the Center’s services will correlate to higher retention and graduation rates.

“UIndy is on the cutting edge of utilizing innovative wellness strategies to improve mental health,” said Miller. “Dreaming big has gotten us where we are today, and I’m so excited to see what the future holds thanks to the continued support of our campus community and partners.”